In a relentless downpour, Bryce drags Syrinx outside, fending off a lurking hoptoad before returning soaked. Hunt is cooking; Bryce resists eating until Hunt frames it as concern from a friend. She accepts the breakfast and coffee, lightening the tense mood after a difficult night.

Later, Hunt brings Danika’s clothing to Viktoria, insisting it be used in addition to Evidence to avoid tampering concerns. He has her run the Fae’s Mimir diagnostic Declan provided and adds a list of ancient, catastrophic demons to screen for. The implications unnerve both Viktoria and Hunt, who has survived encounters with such entities.

That evening, Viktoria reports the analysis is still running and will take time. Hunt hopes the results won’t confirm his fears. He and Bryce trade messages and spend the night binge-watching a beach-club reality show, gradually sitting closer until their thighs touch, signaling a growing intimacy.

The next morning, as they head for the elevator, Micah calls Hunt and orders him to his office within fifteen minutes, alone. Hunt plans to fly Bryce to the gallery first before reporting to the CBD, bracing for whatever the Governor demands.